Pressure-compensated self-flushing dripper
US5400967A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7873
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The dripper and mini-spray include an inlet and an outlet coupled to a housing which defines a substantially spherical, ellipsoidal, or cylindrical chamber. The chamber houses a ball which can roll about the chamber freely, but which is too large to exit through either the inlet or outlet. A whirlpool is caused by water or other liquids entering the chamber through the inlet due to the particular orientation and position of the inlet, the shape of the chamber, and optional water obstructing structures such as a reflector pad and a deflector ridge and slot openings therein. The resultant whirlpool(s) flush debris from the chamber and push the ball around the chamber for a predetermined period of time. The ball then becomes seated against the outlet to substantially obstruct the passageway out in a pressure-compensated manner.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.